parasympathomimetic drug


par·a·sym·path·o·mi·met·ic drug

(par'ă-sim'pă-thō-mi-met'ik drŭg) A drug that acts by stimulating or mimicking the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS); are also called cholinergics because acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter used by the PNS.

parasympathomimetic drug 

A drug with an action resembling that caused by stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Example: a miotic of which there are two types: a direct-acting cholinergic, such as pilocarpine or carbachol; and the other, indirect-acting anticholinesterase, such as physostigmine, neostigmine, echothiophate iodide, demecarium bromide. Syn. cholinergic drug. See miotics.